“He knows exactly what we need to grow beautiful, vibrant lives.” — @shannanoel 100 Days of Prayer
So, prune my life, Lord – remove what does not serve fruitfulness. This seemed like a “dangerous” prayer when I journaled it. What will He ask me to surrender and will it be hard to let go? Will it hurt? At the same time, I was curious to see what He will remove. Since then, He’s faithfully revealed habits and attitudes that get in the way of being well led.
For one, I have a tendency to be led by my emotions; particularly joy and empathy. I find that I am more generous and giving when I feel those emotions and, because they are regarded as “good”, I don’t question them as I do other emotions. This has led to unwise decision-making because I didn’t seek Him in them.
He has also shown me the ways in which I sacrifice for others. Again, it’s a “good thing” to be unselfish and consider the needs of others. But, this had led to me mistreating myself in the process of doing good without being led by Him in it. I was not loving myself as I loved others.
I also have a conscientious nature. I take my work (whatever I am tasked with) seriously and will always attempt to do it well. This is certainly a strength but also a weakness. Being a homemaker with a family that is almost always at home has really challenged me to face this one repeatedly. My eyes are constantly drawn to what is untidy or unclean or needs fixing. Being driven by this impulse leads to continual stress because the work is never done! And, when I am stressed, He’s shown me the many ways I try to wrestle for my life to get it under control.
Yikes! That’s a lot of revelation in just a few days but I feel so much freer now. Not only did this pruning not hurt, it felt loving and restorative. I’m sure there will be more pruning to come, and I’m so thankful.
I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
John 15:1-2
Process and products used:
These pages in the 100 Days of Prayer by Shanna Noel features the following products by Creative Worship Stamps. These are affiliate links, please see the Privacy Policy for details.
- Messy Blocks stencil
- Peony Cluster stamp set
- Nature Silhouettes stamp set
- Boss Lady Alpha stamp set
- Have Courage stamp set
These pages are a celebration of spring as mentioned in my previous post: Changed in His Presence. Browse other spring themed products here: Creative Worship Stamps | Spring.
As I typically do with these books, I took inspiration from the design already on the pages. I used the Messy Blocks stencil and a blending brush to add some green ink to the background.
I stamped the floral from Peony Cluster in green ink for a subtle finish. And then I stamped two phrases, which are from that same set, over them. I also stamped the floral in blue ink in areas that already had blue on the page.
I stamped the title using the Boss Lady Alpha in black ink then coloured it in using a yellow pencil crayon. I also highlighted the text using a combination of pencil crayons and a highlighter.
For finishing touches, I stamped a sentiment from Have Courage as well as a butterfly from Nature Silhouettes in green ink. Then, I added my notes and finished the prayer.
Be encouraged
🎶 Wildflowers ~ Braden David, Blsng
Wildflowers grow freely. In the Gospels, Jesus tells us to consider how they grow – without toil or spin. It is God who causes them to grow to beautify the field.
It’s amazing how much of our heart needs tending. The more I surrender the more I see how much I wasn’t surrendered before. I am so thankful for His masterful hand pruning and shaping my life for His glory. Will you ask Him what needs to be removed in yours?
